Living near train tracks can be a very frustrating experience for anyone. Whether it is enjoying some peace and quiet during the day, or trying to get a good night’s sleep at night, a train can be a very frustrating hindrance for many.
There is the option of not moving near a train if possible, but some people do not have an alternative currently. For those trying to deal with train noise as much as possible, there are some methods to kill effectively.
Soundproofing techniques are not going to stop any rattling that might go on, but the sound of the train will be much less distracting.
Below are a few methods worth checking out for those trying to kill sound once and for all. These techniques will not eliminate train noises entirely, but they will reduce the distraction quite a bit. Use them together to start seeing a difference in a short amount of time.
1. Soundproof curtains
One of the most vulnerable areas for any home when it comes to outside sound is the windows. Not only are they going to rattle when a huge train is coming down the tracks, but they allow sound to come in.
A lot of people love the fact that soundproof curtains are pretty affordable and do not really stand out much at all. In fact, the average person is not going to know that there are actual curtains up that are specific for soundproofing. They look just like standard curtains, only a little thicker and heavier.
The only real adjustment is that a person needs to make sure that these heavier options are not overworking the support system. No one wants to hang up curtains, only to see them come down because they weigh too much and put pressure on any existing infrastructure.
The concept of how this work is pretty simple. The soundproof curtains are made of a pretty heavy, dense material that kills a solid amount of sound overall. People can expect to have any sounds from the outside reduced by 15 dB to 20 dB with properly installed soundproof curtains (Full Article).
Another advantage of soundproof curtains is that they can help with more than just soundproofing. For example, they helped considerably with temperature control.
It is pretty nice not to have to change the thermostat as much because it adds another layer of protection from the outside world. Instead of being strongly dictated by the weather outside, people can make some changes that are a lot more subtle.
Finally, these are curtains at the end of the day, and that means they are going to block the sun very well when pulled. They function pretty much exactly like any other curtains out there, and the thickness and color usually blackout rooms when pulled completely.
Click for Recommended Soundproof curtains from Amazon.
2. Door Or Window Wedge
It is a bit of a hassle to set up all the time, but some people count on a door or window wedge (Amazon) to help provide a bit more sound protection and coverage overall. This is good news for people who wants a pretty simple solution, and one that does not have to be left up all day.
The way it works is pretty simple. Doors and windows have a lot of vulnerabilities, and they need plugging up a bit for them to block out any outside noise.
Some of these options are pretty lightweight and slide right in, so trying to mount is pretty simple overall. They are also very inexpensive, so a person never feels like they are spending a ton of money on an issue that might only be temporary.
Maybe the train is running particularly loud at the wrong hours, or there is a visitor who is a light sleeper and needs some extra help. This is an example of a long-term solution, but it works in a pinch if a person needs it as well.
Also, a wedge is great to reduce and absorb vibrational noise by making a tight and secure seal.
3. Carpeting And Rug Options
A very vulnerable area when it comes to sound coming from the doors is the floor. If the floor is a bit exposed and elevated, sounds and vibrations could come through those boards if a person is not careful.
The more common dilemma is that sound will leak through that area between the door in the floor. If a person has a high-quality rug (Amazon) that is dense and capable of filling that gap, it helps quite a bit.
There is actually no such thing as a soundproof carpet or rug, but anything thick and capable of taking up some space is going to be beneficial. This quiets the entire room if set up correctly, and it is something people rely on all the time.
A rug is a little bit easier to set up if there is no carpet on the floor already, and it is also easy to buy different sizes for a specific purpose. Some people do not even care that much about the look of the rug, as they are more interested in helping with controlling sound.
4. Door Sweeps
A door sweep (Amazon) works a lot of the same ways as a carpet or rug word under a door. It is another way to close that gap, but the attachment comes closer to the door than the floor.
A door sweep is available for any size, and it does the job very well. People have been using door sweeps to kill noise from outdoors for quite a while, and a person does not have to hire anyone to install it. They are very highly flexible, so they will fill the gap when the door is still.
Just make sure that the right one is purchased, and that the quality is there for people to rely on. There are way too many people who will buy anything that they find, and that does not usually work in the end. For a door sweep the last long time, it needs to fit properly and hit the ground at the right location.
5. Improved Window Panels
Standard window panels can help block sounds to a certain degree, but most people will need to make additional adjustments if what they are doing is not sufficient. Sound blocking window panels make a lot more sense, even if they do end up costing a bit extra.
Flexible window panels are made of a heavy soundproof like a material that works extremely well. One of the most common options are double glazed windows, as the multiple layers can stop vibrations that normally sneak through different gaps in the home. It can be very frustrating to deal with all these vibrations and noises, but this helps significantly.
If there is any consolation to paying a good amount of money, it is the fact that these last a long time. These windows can also be used as a selling feature if a person ends up getting rid of their home at a later date.
6. Soundproofing The Walls
There are a few different methods that work toward soundproofing an existing wall without making too much of a change. Some people will start here since it is fairly easy to do, but keep in mind that it might not provide the same type of effect as replacing all together.
Drywall
Adding a second layer of drywall to the existing wall is going to add thickness that will help with soundproofing. To separate the two layers, some damping compound like Green Glue makes sense. It will kill sound energy, turning it into heat and helping keep the inside more climate control as well.
Drywall is pretty inexpensive, and some people find it easy enough to install themselves. There is no reason to get someone else to do it if a person is a little bit handy and perhaps has a helper along the way.
Paint
Does soundproof paint work? Some people dealing with train sounds feel like adding a layer does enough of a good job to make a difference. This might not be the only soundproofing method a person uses, but it does not hurt to have a finishing touch.
One of the great things about adding paint as a soundproofing method is that most people are going to paint anyway. It is not going to stand out or add any bulk, and people will notice that there is some change overall.
It used to be pretty rare to find soundproof paint (Amazon) in stores, but a lot more people are beginning to realize just how much of a difference it makes.
It goes onto walls just like any other type of paint, so if a person feels comfortable enough to paint their own home, they do not need to hire anyone else. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to help with outside sounds like train noises.
Infusion
Using something like fiberglass insulation can help a lot with the soundproofing part of a home. A lot of people will do this if their walls are hollow, as it can hurt the amount of self-control if it is left untreated.
Everything is hidden behind walls, so any changes do not stand out at all. People are very pleased with how it all shakes out, and they are willing to put in the extra effort overall.
7. Outdoor Options
Since the noise is coming from the outside, it means inside sound control methods are not the only way. A lot of homeowners will decide to put up outdoor barriers that will help out with control and train noise much as possible.
They make a pretty big difference, and they can handle the overall look of the home as well. Not only that, but they can provide some extra privacy that some people would prefer in person.
What outdoor barriers work best? Maybe the easiest to put up is some type of fence that will block the view and the sound of a train passing by.
Most places will already have some fence up if the train is super close by, but something a bit thicker and not see-through will help with the sound. A thicker material works well also.
Planting a natural barrier is another way to go. Some will put up bushes, hedges, shrubs, trees, and more. It might take some time for a tree to grow large enough to provide a lot of blockage, but it is one of the most loved ways to make a difference because it looks nice. Picking the right trees that have a lot of branches and leaves to help with sound control helps as well.
All in all, people definitely have outdoor options that are worth considering. The only thing that some people should look out for is that it might not provide a ton of coverage by itself. This can be just one aspect of soundproofing that ends up working.
8. Earplugs
Some people can’t fathom having to wear earplugs (Amazon) around their home all the time because of train noise. With all that said, it is one of the most straightforward ways to combat this type of problem without having to spend much money at all. It also helps that there is only one person who is bothered by the noise from the train, but everyone else is just fine.
The most common place to wear these earplugs would be when trying to fall asleep. Most people are fine with dealing with train noise during the day, but it gets a little tricky when it is going on at night.
Since earplugs cost virtually nothing, it is something worth trying out in the beginning just to see how much of a difference it makes. Some earplugs will reduce about 20 dB of sound, which is all a lot of people need for them to be effective.
Living With Train Noises
Most people know before they move in that the train is going to be some factor. For those who are super sensitive to sound, it is probably best to never move in the first place. For everyone else, there are ways to peacefully live with train noise and not have to worry too much.
The best suggestion is to try something simple and affordable at the beginning with train noise treatment. There might only be a need for something very light, and that is good news for people who do not want to spend a lot of money. There is also an opportunity to combine different types of treatment, which is always going to be effective.
Never shy away from trying a few different things, and ultimately something will end up killing most of the bothersome train noise.
It can be a little troubling and frustrating to get to the point that the train noise is all but eliminated, but it is worth the effort for people who want to have a little more peace and quiet.